Daily Devotional

Scripture: Luke 13:[9] If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’ ”

Observation: As Christians we are created to bear fruit. We have been given gifts of the Holy Spirit and have talents that we need to use to bear this fruit. Bearing fruit is not a request but a command and a desire within us. If we do not bear fruit then are we really a Christian? According to this scripture, no.

Application: Bearing fruit is still a choice, a choice of love for the Father. To show my love I need to be about my Father’s business which is to spread the gospel and bring others to him. To help others, encourage and make a difference in this world in glory and honor to God.

Prayer: Dear Father I do love you. Show me what to do that will please you and make you proud of me. Guide me today in bearing fruit for your Kingdom. Take this laziness away from me and make bearing fruit for you my top priority.

Scripture: Luke 12:[34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Observation: What do I treasure? I think a lot of our new home we will be moving in and the remodeling. I think of cars and about our finances. I have a difficult time giving money away and I’m obsessed about the money we owe.

Application: It’s time to change my heart. The only thing that should matter is what God desires of me. I should be more concerned about what God wants me to give away instead of what I’m suppose to get. I should be consumed about the kingdom of God and not this world. To draw closer to God that should be what I treasure above all.

Prayer: Dear Father I’m a selfish man and always have been. Help me from this bondage and soften my heart to be the man you call me to be. Show me how to honor you with this life you have given me. I do love you show me how to live this life to prove it.

Scripture: Luke 11:33 “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.

Observation: Do I hide my light? Can others tell if I’m a Christian or is my walk so subtle others aren’t sure. Do I take any opportunity to tell someone what Jesus has done for me or does embarrassment take over and I’m quiet? I have one job to do, to spread the gospel, am I doing it?

Application: There should be no doubt that I belong to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I need to live a life glorifying God and telling others about what they need to do to be saved. My light needs to shine brightly so others can be guided to Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Lord show me how to shine my light brightly today. May it shine on someone who doesn’t know you and help me guide them to you. Use your servant to do your will.

Scripture: Luke 10:41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,

Observation: That verse could have read Mark, Mark. So much of my time is spent on worrying and being upset with situations in my life. I worry about things that might happen but don’t. Worrying is the same as telling God I don’t trust him.

Application: God has taken care of me all of my life and it’s time to trust him completely. Take the time I worry and spend in worshipping God, reading the Word, doing service for my Lord. Worrying is Satan’s way of distracting me from doing God’s will.

Prayer: Dear Father thank you for always being there for me and taking care of me. Please increase my faith so that I will do your will and glorify your name. Set me on the course of the purpose you have created me for and may I complete it in glory and honor to your name.

Scripture: Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Observation: I have such a hard time denying myself because I’m so selfish. I want what I want without thinking of what God wants. What’s funny is what God wants of me is so more enjoyable and rewarding. When ever I do God’s will I’m fulfilling my purpose and draw nearer to God.

Application: I need to stop thinking of myself and just be focused on God’s desire for my life. He makes it clear what he desires and only through my stubbornness do I deny doing it. It is time I deny myself and take up my cross to follow my Lord and Savior until it is time to come home.

Prayer: Dear Lord give me the strength to take up my cross and walk with you. I’m nothing, only your servant, take this selfish man away and turn me into an obedient servant to glorify you.

Scripture: Luke 8:[39] “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.

Observation: God has healed me of the demons of depression and it’s my turn to obey and tell everyone I meet how much God has done for me. As the man in this story I am to search out people and tell them the wonders of God and my testimony how he saved me.

Application: To finish the book God has had me writing and to write that five minute testimony about how God healed me of depression. Then to search out those who need to hear how God loves them and by faith they also might be healed.

Prayer: Dear Lord guide me and give me wisdom and strength to fulfill my mission in glory and honor to you. Your servant is ready and I need your direction and strength to carry on. May I end this life hearing the words will done good and faithful servant.

Scripture: Luke 7:[13] When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

Observation: My Lord’s heart went out to me. He saw me suffer throughout my life because of what I did. He wouldn’t give up on me when I continued to give up on myself. When I opened my eyes to him he embraced me and said “Don’t Cry.”

Application: Remember my Lord’s compassion for me and extend that compassion to others in his name. I am to love others as he commands me and to show his love with the things I do and say.

Prayer: Dear Lord thank you for loving me and not giving up on me. That you would have compassion on this sinner is beyond my comprehension, but I receive it. Show me how to show compassion to others and become this servant you call me to become.